Landscaping small yards can be a much more difficult task from a design stand point than developing a plan for a large estate.
I have designed for rather large estates along with university landscape themes during the past forty six years and enjoyed the challenges immensely.
I would have to say that personally my greatest satisfaction in landscape designing has been when a client’s home was situated on a small lot.
Landscaping small yards have always allowed my creative juices to flow.
Let’s say for example that your home is located on a small piece of property and you are finding it very difficult to apply normal landscaping theory in a satisfying and pleasing manner.
Following is one concept that has proved successful in the past and perhaps it or a similar one will work for you:
Please don’t even think about the common technique of ring around the foundation softscaping as this will cause your home and lot to appear much smaller than they are.
Consider using hardscape materials such as pavers or flagstone to create graceful curved beds extending well out into the yard. All hardscaping without the use of plants.
Depending on how your driveway is situated connect it to the hardscaping in front of your home with a wider than normal curved walk. Of course use the same materials that you previously installed in the foundation beds.
Now, depending on what your home owners association will approve build a court yard wall enclosing as much of the front yard as possible. This wall has to be kept low at approximately thirty to thirty six inches. If the wall is too tall this again will visually reduce the property size.
Any plantings that you install in the ground should be just inside or on the outside of your courtyard walls.
Choose dwarf plant materials as many are available in the form of conifers, broadleaf evergreens, flowering shrubs, perennials, annuals and ground covers.
You should now have a nice open view from the street leading up to your front entrance.
Apply the finishing touch by purchasing several thirty to thirty six inch quality containers and planting dwarf evergreens of one variety or another in each urn.
Place one on each side of your front entrance and several others in key locations.
Use the same theme in the back and use the hardscaping for your patio area. One never seems to have a patio area that is large enough so now is your opportunity.
Build a tall wall using natural stone or a wood fence to keep your children and pets safe in your yard.
Plant an evergreen screen around your lot line perimeter for privacy.
